Game1: Dallas Mavericks (-2.5) vs Indiana Pacers
Pick: Mavs by 3
Game2: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trailblazers (-11.5)
Pick: Blazers by big
Game3: Toronto Raptors vs Boston Celtics (-9.5)
Pick: Celts by 10
Reasons: In the Mavs/Pacers game, I like Dallas to win comfortably and the fact that the spread is only 3 points, to me, makes for good value. Dallas need only worry about keeping Danny Granger of the Pacers in check, since the Pacers supporting cast of Troy Murphy and TJ Ford have been lackluster thus far this season. As a result, Shawn Marion of Dallas is the key to this game for Dallas since he'll likely draw the assignment against Granger all night.
In the Grizzlies/Blazers game, once again I will take Portland to cover a big spread at home. As stated before in my Portland picks, the Blazers at home are one of the toughest teams in the L and against a Grizzlies team that doesnt offer too much in the way of defense, I expect the Blazers to win comfortably by 13, 14 points.
In the Raptors/Celtics matchup, again, Im taking a big spread with the Celtics to cover 10 points. Obviously, its a risky pick considering the hot-cold nature of the Toronto Raptors - one night they can take on the world, the next night they play like uninspired pussycats. For me, I think playing in Boston, the Raptors will show up and make it competitive for a while, but I expect the Celtics defense to eventually wear down the Raptors and come away with a good win. Expect a big game also from someone on the 2nd unit for the Celtics like Eddie House. Raptors dont cover the perimeter all too well and Eddie House is one of the best and streakiest 3-point shooters in the league.
NBA Record 12-14
No comments:
Post a Comment